24th Annual Taste of Gaslamp Offers Delectable Day of Dining

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

The original Taste is back—Taste of Gaslamp returns for the 24th year on Saturday, June 16. With 24 participating restaurants, plus a beer garden (presented by Karl Strauss) with Karl Strauss, Benchmark and Black Plague pouring refreshing craft beer. Here are six things you need to know to make the most of this delicious day:

1. Plan your transportation

If you can, use a ride-share or bike-share to get to the Gaslamp and avoid the stress of parking. Definitely plan on using Uber or Lyft if you’re going to imbibe at the beer garden. If you do decide to drive, the parking garage at 6th and K St. is just $1 an hour and is a block away from the check-in booth at the Gaslamp Square arch (170 6th Ave.). Check-in starts at 12:30 p.m. and the tasting tour runs from 1 to 4 p.m.

2. GA or VIP?

A General Admission ticket is $35 ($45 day-of) and includes tastes at 24 restaurants and admission to the beer garden (21+ only). VIP tickets are $65 ($75 day-of) and are more than worth the extra cost: you’ll get exclusive tastes and signature cocktails at six additional restaurants, a goody bag with surprise gifts from Gaslamp merchants and an exclusive VIP reception held at a secret rooftop location.

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

3. Have a strategy

Take a look at the list of participating restaurants (available at www.tasteofgaslamp.org) and see if any are a must-try for you. You’ll receive a program with a map showing all the restaurants when you check in, but you can save a little time if you already know where you’ll be starting. Returning favorites this year include barleymash, The Field Irish Pub and Cafe Sevilla, and there’s also a number of rookies to the Taste lineup.

4. Thirsty?

The Karl Strauss beer garden will be open throughout the Taste of Gaslamp, from 1 to 4 p.m., so you can stop by anytime you get a little thirsty. The picturesque beer garden will be found at the Historical Foundation’s Davis Park at 410 Island Ave.

5. Gather your squad

Some restaurants offer different options to taste, but your ticket limits you to one item at each location. What to do? Team up with some friends—everyone in your group can try something different and share nibbles.

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

6. Enjoy the history

Did you know that Taste of Gaslamp is San Diego’s longest-running self-guided tasting tour? It started in 1993 as an intimate dinner party experience with gourmet guest chefs serving bites alongside fine wines. Now, over XX people stroll through the Gaslamp Quarter as they sample bites from its notable collection of restaurants that cover every palate and craving.